MELAKA, Dec 8 — The High Court here today sentenced a former navy lieutenant to death by hanging after finding him guilty of trafficking 4,856gm of cannabis three years ago.

Abd Jalal Mohamad, 38, was sentenced to death by hanging for the first charge and two years’ jail for the second charge starting from the date of arrest on April 24, 2006.

In passing sentence, Judge Datuk Wira Mohtarudin Baki said the defence had failed to create reasonable doubt on the prosecution case.

He said Abd Jalal had knowledge of the cannabis as it was placed in two bags at his feet in the car.

For the first charge, Abd Jalal was found guilty of trafficking 4,856gm of cannabis in front of a foodstall at Merlimau Point, Jasin, on April 24, 2006 at 8.45pm. He was charged under Section 39B(1) (c) Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which carries the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.

The second charge under Section 6 of the same Act was for possessing 1.53gm of cannabis at the same time and place, where he faced a RM20,000 maximum fine or five years’ jail or both upon conviction.

Abd Jalal who wore a white long sleeve shirt with black pants looked calm, the same with his family members in the public gallery.